Recipe for Effective Employee Communication

Ingredients

• Understanding
• Executive engagement
• Middle management participation
• Employee involvement
• Multiple channels
• Evaluation
• Appraisal
• Reinforcement
• Consistency

Directions
1. Assess the situation. Collect information from all sources and mix together thoroughly with one cup of understanding. Shape into key messages.
2. Take the prepared key messages and incorporate gently into a communications model.
3. Take ½ cup executive engagement and sift over top, allowing to trickle down throughout.
4. Turn out onto cutting board and ask middle management to get their hands in and work the dough until it is smooth and polished.
5. Break away a few pieces to be sampled by employees. Ask them for feedback, suggestions and candid answers.
6. Form into loaves, using formal and informal techniques. Bake for one hour at 400 degrees Celsius until key messages are infused throughout.
7. Use all appropriate channels to deliver the sections.
8. Appraise the success of the recipe and report results to interested parties.
9. Reinforce desired behavior by rewarding and recognizing achievements.
10. Remain consistent by following this recipe and continuously assessing the situation, gathering information and listening to comments and criticisms.